WHAT NEXT?

Intelligence committee sums up:

Democrats on the House Intelligence Committee have been compiling the evidence gathered through more than six weeks of closed-door depositions and public hearings. The committee had scheduled a vote to approve the report yesterday evening. It would then go to the House Judiciary Committee.

Judiciary takes charge:

The House Judiciary Committee has scheduled its first hearing for tomorrow. Democratic Chairman Jerrold Nadler said it will be an informational hearing featuring legal experts who will examine the constitutional grounds for impeachment. While invited to participate in the opening Judiciary hearing, the White House declined.

Nadler can deny witnesses sought by Republicans. The Judiciary Committee would be responsible for drafting any articles of impeachment for a vote by the full House.

House floor vote:

If articles of impeachment reach the House floor, Democrats would be looking to peel off Republicans to make the vote bipartisan. So far, however, it appears few, if any, Republicans would break ranks. Once an impeachment vote is done, Democrats would appoint impeachment managers for a Senate trial.

Senate trial:

House Democrats are hoping to be finished with an impeachment vote by Christmas, sending articles to the Republican-controlled Senate for a trial in 2020. Trump is expected to have the backing of majority Republicans in that chamber to be acquitted. It’s still unclear how long a trial would last. Chief Justice John Roberts would preside.